Not only did I get paid for the following semester, I was hired for two additional semesters and earned even more money. Although my eye contact was a little scattered and my voice slightly quiet, I spoke up and, every time, it got easier — and my paychecks got bigger.

Here are two ways you can find your voice with money, let’s give it a K.I.S.S. and start small:

1. At the cash register, keep an eye and speak up about something that was marked on sale. I don’t care if you’re saving .07 cents.

2. It may help to reframe money in a more emotionally neutral way, like energy. You are offering your gift of whatever and they are offering you their energy source, called money.

For the babies…

To help your kiddos avoid using the same money vocabulary, start a conversation with them about what their chores, grades or other contributions to your home are worth. Help them find value in the time and energy they put in, and give them the vocabulary to be able to ask for money confidently.

Please comment and share your successes and funny failures with money. We can all learn from each other!